Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nYou should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.
\n\nThere is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.
\n\nFor more details about the risks in Afghanistan, see Safety and security.
\n\nYou should not travel to Afghanistan. The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. There is a high risk of British nationals being detained or kidnapped, and terrorists often target places frequented by foreign nationals. The FCDO’s ability to provide assistance in Afghanistan is severely limited.
\nThere are heighted tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including clashes in border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\nSupport for British nationals is severely limited in Afghanistan. There is no British Embassy in Afghanistan and FCDO cannot give in-person consular assistance. If you are detained, the British government may not be informed.
\n\nIf you are a British national in Afghanistan and need help from the UK government, you can:
\n\nIf you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Afghanistan’s current rules for most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Afghanistan set and enforce entry rules. A visa is required to enter Afghanistan. The Afghan embassy in London is closed.
\n\nIf you decide to travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, check with your travel provider whether your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nOn your departure, the Afghan authorities may ask for a certificate to prove you’ve had a polio vaccine.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry and departure requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Afghanistan guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Afghanistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nIt is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash. For more information, see ‘Money’ on ‘Safety and security’ page.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.
\nIn May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
\n\nAl-Qaida (AQ), a Daesh branch known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other militant groups have an active presence in Afghanistan. These groups hold strong anti-western views, which could make any British interest or person a target. Daesh (ISKP) continues to be a serious threat and is fiercely hostile to the UK, other western countries and some religious minority communities. Daesh (ISKP) and other groups also target NGOs and humanitarian organisations.
\n\nIf you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, be aware that terrorists have a strong desire to target public places frequented by foreign nationals. This could include restaurants and hotels used by foreigners, such as the Serena in Kabul.
\n\nAn attack on Kabul International Airport in August 2021 killed at least 183 people. Further attacks against aviation and airports are very likely.
\n\nISKP have claimed responsibility for attacks in many types of location, including:
\n\nDiplomatic premises may be attacked to undermine Taliban claims of security.
\n\nIt is likely that terrorists will conduct attacks at busy times of day, potentially coinciding with local or religious events or celebrations. In the past this has included attacks against:
\n\nAttacks in Afghanistan include roadside and suicide bombs either on foot or by vehicle, indirect rocket and mortar fire, direct fire, including shootings and rocket propelled grenades.
\n\nIf you are in Afghanistan, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Keep others, including family and friends, informed of your travel plans. Any regular patterns of travel and behaviour could make you the target of an attack.
\n\nThere is a very high threat of being kidnapped in Afghanistan.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nThere are tour operators that offer travel and guided tours to Afghanistan. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, even if you are part of an organised tour group. In May 2024, three Spanish tourists were killed in a shooting while on a guided tour in Bamiyan, Central Afghanistan.
\n\nThe risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to British nationals remain high.
\n\nAfghanistan is under Taliban control.
\n\nThe Taliban has a very low tolerance for demonstrations and for activities perceived as dissent. Foreign nationals’ activities are viewed with suspicion. Do not do anything which could be interpreted as seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence.
\n\nYou may come under suspicion if you go near sensitive sites or contact people who are of interest to the authorities for any reason.
\n\nThe British government will have very limited ability to help you if you get into difficulty in Afghanistan. If you are a British national already resident in Afghanistan, you should carefully consider the risk to your safety.
\n\nThe political situation remains uncertain and could change rapidly. Ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan may worsen the security situation. Keep up to date with developments about the security situation and monitor local media.
\n\nDo not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or previous understanding of rules, laws and society. British nationals with previous experience of operating in Afghanistan have been detained in the country since August 2021.
\n\nAvoid demonstrations as they may turn violent and you may be arrested.
\n\nThere is a significant risk the Taliban could detain British nationals.
\nThe Taliban are suspicious of foreign nationals working or travelling in Afghanistan, including humanitarian workers and journalists, and it’s likely your work and movements will be closely monitored.
\n\nIf you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years in prison without clarity about the charges.
\n\nThe Taliban are likely to suspect you of spying and may detain you if you are found in possession of:
\n\nThe risk of detention is especially high if you have worked in the military or have connections to previously detained British nationals.
\n\nIf you are found guilty of spying or working to undermine Afghanistan’s national security, the punishment may be execution.
\n\nThe Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion. Such actions are forbidden and can lead to severe penalties. The Taliban’s justice system includes lengthy imprisonment, lashings (including in public) and the death penalty.
\n\nThe British government may not be notified if you are detained. There are considerable challenges in setting up contact or access. FCDO’s ability to get any information from the authorities could be severely limited, and you may not be able to contact your next of kin.
\n\nThere is a risk of violent street crime and home invasion including armed robbery in Afghan cities. Make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.
\n\nThere is a significant risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals for ransom.
\n\nPotential targets for kidnap include British tourists, British nationals working for international organisations, and British nationals of Afghan origin visiting friends and relatives.
\n\nCriminal groups will target anyone perceived to have money for extortion purposes. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. Criminal groups may kidnap victims by stopping cars on busy roads or targeting people who are withdrawing money from banks and ATMs. Kidnap victims are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using their cash cards. Incidents include a British dual national being kidnapped at gunpoint and a British national kidnapped while withdrawing money from a bank.
\n\nThere are no formal internationally recognised structures or processes of law in Afghanistan and foreign nationals, including British nationals, have been detained without due process.
\n\nAfghanistan is an Islamic country. The country’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK.
\n\nThe Taliban do not tolerate the practice of religions other than Islam and may view religious activities that do not fit with their own version of Sunni Islam as suspicious, particularly any efforts to convert Afghan nationals to an alternative religion.
\n\nThe Taliban have set codes of dress for men and women and strictly enforce them.
\n\nWomen, including foreign nationals, must fully cover themselves in public. A woman must wear:
\n\nMen must dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing such as sleeveless shirts or shorts.
\n\nThe Taliban have made it illegal for women to travel for more than 72km (44 miles) without being accompanied by their husband, father or brother (a ‘mahram’). Taliban officials regularly check transport and monitor public locations, including hospitals and schools. They can stop women from travelling, including leaving Afghanistan, and may penalise women in other ways, including detention, if they do not comply.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country.
\n\nDuring this time, do not:
\n\nYou are not allowed to use or bring into the country narcotics, alcohol or pork products. If you do, you could be arrested.
\n\nThe Taliban have blocked, significantly slowed, or shut down landline, internet, and mobile services without warning in the past. This can be nationwide or localised. This can affect communication and location services on smartphones and other devices. You should:
\n\nPrevious internet blackouts have also impacted flights and access to cash.
\n\nIt may not be immediately clear whether taking photos could cause offence or suspicion. Avoid photographing local people without their agreement and pay close attention to local information and ways of doing things. Photographing certain buildings in Afghanistan is not allowed and may lead to detention, including:
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Taliban and has historically always been forbidden in Afghanistan.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nDo not buy or try to export antiquities without getting a receipt from an authorised dealer. When you leave Afghanistan the authorities may ask for proof you bought the item. If you do not have a receipt, they could detain you, and you may get a fine or prison sentence.
\n\nIf you travel to Afghanistan against FCDO advice, you may face problems with the authorities if you try to import foreign currency. It is illegal to carry more than 5000 US dollars through airports and more than 500 US dollars through land borders in cash, but you may not be able to use foreign-issued bank cards at ATMs and local banks.
\n\nSome ATMs and many banks accept foreign-issued bank cards, with restrictions on the amount of cash you can withdraw. Check with local branches.
\n\nSome international money transfer services continue to operate in Afghanistan. However, payouts will be in local currency, even when the payee has requested foreign exchange.
\n\nRoad travel is highly dangerous. FCDO advises against all travel around Afghanistan.
\n\nThe situation at Afghanistan’s border crossings remains volatile. A number of borders remain closed and if opened, can close at short notice. There have been clashes between Afghan and neighbouring forces at some border crossings.
\n\nKabul International Airport does not meet international aviation safety standards.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Afghanistan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nAfghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. Consider signing up to the US Geological Survey global monitoring agency. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nHeavy rain and winter snowfall can cause significant floods, particularly outside the capital. Heavy snowfall often causes avalanches in the mountains during the winter and spring. Afghanistan lacks emergency response infrastructure, so be prepared for any situation.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. There is no guarantee local health practitioners will be available.
\n\nBefore you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nThere are limited public ambulance services in Afghanistan. The telephone number for the ambulance service in Kabul is 102 and each province has a separate emergency number. If you need urgent attention, speak directly with a local medical practitioner and use local transport to get to hospital when safe to do so. Ambulances sent by hospitals may require payment or evidence of insurance before they treat you.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Afghanistan, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Afghanistan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. There are serious shortages of some medicines in Afghanistan.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 119 (police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nThere is no British Embassy in Afghanistan and our ability to provide help to British nationals is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person.
\n\nThe UK government cannot help British nationals who are in Afghanistan and who wish to leave. Anyone who wants to leave Afghanistan should do so by commercial means or through a land border. FCDO cannot advise on the safety of routes to leave Afghanistan.
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nFor information about applying for a British passport, or to check on your passport application, see overseas British passport applications or call the Passport Adviceline.
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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